Barum Czech Rally Zlín 

Cais is starting first, Csomós from Hungary chose the second position

18. 8. 2023 - Vojtěch Jurák

The leading drivers have set their starting positions for the start of the 52nd Barum Czech Rally Zlín. Compared to the order at the qualifying stage in Malenovice, there were several changes, started right at the beginning by Filip Mareš. The fastest driver of the sharp morning test did not choose number one, but moved two places down.

Erik Cais, who finished a close second in the morning at the Maják stage, took advantage of the vacant place at the front. He showed courage in front of the home crowd and chose the number one position - he will open the starting field of the first Saturday's leg and will be the first to go. "Of course I would like to fight for the top positions. The competition is huge this year, but it will probably never be different at Barum Rally. It's always going to be one of the toughest races," said Cais just before the ceremonial start, who finished fourth at last year's Barum Rally.

The second starting place remained vacant for a long time, the successful drivers from the morning timed stage, including champion Jan Kopecký or Austrian Simon Wagner, were not much inclined to jump right behind the local youngster. In the end, it was Hungary's Miklós Csomós, who finished seventh in the morning qualification, who moved up to the number two position.

Today's Maják stage fastest driver Filip Mareš will be starting from the third position. "I am really looking forward to this weekend. I'm excited about how many fans are here. We've been to several races in Europe this year, but I don't think there are as many people as here at Barum Rally. Thanks for coming and enjoy the event!" greeted all the present motorsport fans from the starting ramp.

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Starting order for 2nd section of the 1st leg at 52nd Barum Czech Rally Zlín 2023
1. Cais, Bacigál (CZE/SVK, Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2) start. no. 11
2. Csomós, Bán (HUN, Škoda Fabia Rally 2 Evo) start. no. 14
3. Mareš, Bucha (CZE, Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) start. no. 9
4. Wagner, Winter (AUT, Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2) start. no.10
5. Stříteský, Hovorka (CZE, Škoda Fabia R5) start. no. 20
6. Ingram, Kihurani (GBR, Volkswagen Polo Gti R5) start. no. 19
7. Kopecký, Hloušek (CZE, Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2) start. no. 18
8. Lukyanuk, Chervonenko (CYP/UKR, Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) start. no. 5
9. Paddon, Kennard (NZL, Hyundai i20 N Rally2) start. no. 1
10. Tempestini, Itu (ROU, Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) start. no. 15